Smoke Sensitivity Testing

Ensure Your Fire Alarm Detects Smoke When Every Second Counts

Your fire alarm is the first line of defense in a fire emergency. But if the smoke detectors are not properly calibrated, they may respond too slowly—or trigger false alarms that waste resources and erode trust.

Sensitivity testing ensures your detectors work exactly as intended, every time.

Our Smoke Sensitivity Testing services verify that detectors respond within the designed smoke concentration range, in compliance with NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and local code requirements.

Why Smoke Sensitivity Testing is Essential

Fire alarms save lives—but only when they perform correctly. Issues can arise from:

Dust, dirt, or environmental buildup inside detectors
Aging sensors that lose responsiveness over time
Manufacturing tolerances or improper installations
Unauthorized tampering or accidental damage

Without regular sensitivity testing, detectors may either fail to detect smoke soon enough—or cause costly nuisance alarms. Routine testing ensures optimal protection and code compliance.

Our Smoke Sensitivity Testing Services

1. Visual & Functional Inspection

Check detector placement and condition
Inspect for damage, corrosion, or contamination
Verify operational readiness with manufacturer guidelines

2. Calibrated Sensitivity Testing (NFPA 72 Requirement)**

Measure detector response against approved smoke concentration levels
Confirm activation within listed sensitivity range
Adjust or recommend replacement if out of tolerance

3. System Integration Verification

Confirm alarm signal is properly transmitted to control panel
Verify annunciation at monitoring station
Test integration with emergency systems (strobes, voice evac, suppression)

4. Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform cleaning to remove dust or debris affecting performance
Document maintenance actions for compliance records

5. Safety & Compliance Documentation

Provide detailed inspection results and certificates for AHJ and insurance compliance

Testing Frequency Recommendations (Per NFPA 72)

Annually: Sensitivity testing for all detectors
After 5 Years of Service: Increased frequency depending on performance history
After Repairs or Replacement: Re-test immediately before return to service

---

Industries We Serve

Commercial & office buildings
Hospitals & healthcare facilities
Data centers & telecom facilities
Industrial & manufacturing plants
Schools & universities
Government & public safety buildings

Benefits of Our Testing Services

✔ Maintain life-safety compliance
✔ Prevent nuisance alarms and costly disruptions
✔ Extend detector lifespan with proper maintenance
✔ Improve emergency response reliability
✔ Protect lives, property, and business continuity

Q&A: Smoke Sensitivity Testing

Q1. What is smoke sensitivity testing?

A1: Smoke sensitivity testing measures how responsive a smoke detector is to specific smoke concentration levels. It ensures the detector activates within the manufacturer’s listed range—neither too sensitive (causing nuisance alarms) nor too insensitive (delaying fire detection).

Q2. Why is smoke sensitivity testing required?

A2: Over time, smoke detectors can become less accurate due to dust, dirt, or sensor aging. NFPA 72 requires regular sensitivity testing to confirm detectors are operating correctly and to keep facilities in compliance with fire safety codes.

Q3. How often should smoke detectors be tested?

A3: NFPA 72 requires sensitivity testing within one year after installation and every two years thereafter. Depending on performance history, testing frequency may change—up to once every five years for detectors consistently passing.

Q4. What happens if a detector fails the test?

A4: If a detector is found to be out of range, it must either be cleaned, recalibrated (if manufacturer allows), or replaced. AEFP provides detailed reports and recommendations to ensure your system remains compliant and reliable.

Q5. Which facilities need smoke sensitivity testing?

A5: All facilities with fire alarm systems should conduct smoke sensitivity testing, including offices, hospitals, schools, data centers, manufacturing plants, and government buildings. Any location with people, property, or critical operations at risk must ensure detectors function properly.